National Union of Mineworkers

1956 Programme

Private Collection

Route - 1956 Programme

Private Collection

Procession Order 1956

Private Collection

1962 & 1963 Programmes

Private Collection

Layout of Ground at Berry Hill

Private Collection

Private Collection

Mansfield Colliery Banner in the parade

Private Collection

Parading down Church Street

Private Collection

Annual Parade & Gala at Berry Hill

By Pauline Marples

The Parade

The National Union of Mineworkers (Nottingham Area), held what is referred to as an Annual Demonstration from 1949, until at least 1982. This took place in Mansfield.

The three surviving programmes (1956, 1962, 1963) pictured here reveal that it was an event that brought together many people for a 'colourful demonstration' of various Colliery Bands, their banners, floats, Coal Queens and attendants.

Colliery Bands mentioned are:- Bolsover, Bestwood, Basford, Thoresby, Clipstone, Mansfield, Harworth, Cresswell, Blidworth, Teversal, Kirkby and Calverton.

The parade which started on Chesterfield Road at 10.15am, then went through Mansfield and finished at Berry Hill Hall Social Welfare Centre at 12 noon.

Many people turned out to watch the parade, and then to join in all the activities at Berry Hill.

Civic Welcome

At Berry Hill a Civic Welcome was given by the Mayor of Mansfield, Mrs Agnes Milford (1956). Cllr Mrs W. M. Townroe (1962), Cllr A. H. Bailey (1963).

The welcome was followed by the singing of hymns led by one of the Colliery Bands or Choir. Then an act of dedication was given by a member of the clergy.

Resolution

A Demonstration Resolution was made each year and formally moved and seconded. For example in 1963 the Resolution was moved by The Chairman, Mr J. T. Tighe, seconded by Mr A. Martin, and supported Mr W. Painter (Secretary of the NUM).

Presentations

Presentation events included Ten Year Service Certificates, Cup to the Best Band on the March, and prizes for Tableaux.

Displays and Events

Berry Hill Grounds were laid out with many stands such as exhibitions by the N.C.B., Electricity Board, C.I.S.W.O. Ladies Section, and Model Railway. There were displays of Wrestling, Whippet Racing, Physical Culture, Cage Birds, Rabbits and Mice, just to mention a few.

Coal Queen

Additionally there was Fashion Shows and the Coal Queen Competition. This competition was where the 'Nottinghamshire Miners' Coal Queen' was chosen from all the individual colliery Queens.

The judges for the competition in 1962 were Gwynneth Tighe, Joan Chapmen (Women's Editor of the Daily Herald Newspaper, and Jack Burkitt - Nottingham Forest F.C.

Children’s Entertainment

Children could enjoy Punch & Judy Shows, Pony Rides, taking part in a Talent Competition (1962) compared by 'Sparty', the Lightning Cartoonist.

Music

Concerts were given by Colliery Bands and/or Massed Miner's Welfare Choirs (1956).

Food and Drink

Refreshments were an essential part of the day, with tea, minerals, light refreshments, sandwiches, cakes, and ice-cream on offer. Additionally there were licensed drinks by the James Hole & Co., Ltd and Mansfield Brewery Company Ltd (1956), and Mansfield Brewery Company Ltd and the Home Brewery Co. Ltd.(1962, 1963).

There were such a great variety of things for everyone to enjoy or participate in at this annual event.

The individual collieries were proud to participate, to march behind their banners, hear their colliery band and to hope their own Coal Queen became the Nottinghamshire Miner's Coal Queen.

Sadly with the demise of the Coal Industry these events are now part of our local history.